A deodorant rash is an inflammatory reaction inthe armpit the use of deodorants or antiperspirants. It thatcauses symptoms such as intense itching, blisters, red patches, redness or a burning sensation.
Some fabrics, especially synthetic fabricslike Lycra, polyester or nylon, can also cause an underarm rash, although rashes in this area are more likely to occur withallergic reactions todeodorant.
Cleansing the armpitswith plenty of water andneutral pH soapas soon as the first symptoms appearcan helpprevent the rash from getting worse. However, you should see your doctor if symptoms worsen or if you notice blisters, intense heat or pain.
Main symptoms
With deodorant rashes, one of the first symptoms that usually appears is a burning sensation and irritated skin.
However, other symptoms may include:
- Red blisters or spots on the skin
- A lump in the armpit
- Very intense itching
- Redness
In some cases, when the deodorant isn’t removed immediately, peeling, blistering or even burnsmay occur in the armpit.
In more sensitive people, there may even be more severe allergy symptoms, such as swelling of the face, eyes or tongue, the feeling of something stuck in the throat or difficulty in breathing. In these cases, youshould go to the hospital immediately to receiveIVantihistamine and a corticosteroid medication topreventserious complications such as respiratory arrest.
Confirming adiagnosis
The diagnosis of a deodorant rash can be done by a dermatologist who will assess your symptoms and the condition of your armpits after the product is applied. After this first examination, the doctor may ask for an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis and to identify the ingredient that is causing the allergy.In some cases, it is possible to choose deodorants that don’t contain the allergy-causing ingredient toavoid this type of reaction.
To avoid a deodorant allergy, it is important to always test the deodorant in a small area of the armpit and wait for a few hours to see if there is an unwanted reaction.
What to do
It is important to act quickly when you have symptoms of a deodorant rash by:
- Washing the armpitwith plenty of water andneutral pH soap,to remove all the deodorant applied;
- Applying hypoallergenic creams or calming products to the skin, such as creams or lotions with aloe, chamomile or lavender, to soothe and moisturize the skin;
- Applying cold water compresses to the armpits, to reduce irritation and the burningsensation.
The symptoms should disappear altogether within two hours after washing and moisturizing the skin. However, if this doesn’t happen or if the symptoms worsen, go to the dermatologist as soon as possible.
If you start having difficulty in breathing or feeling like there’s something stuck in your throat, go to the hospital or emergency room quickly, as these are signs of an anaphylactic reaction, an allergy condition that needs urgent treatment.
Treatment options
The treatment fora deodorant rash depends on your symptoms and may involve the use of antihistamines, like Loratadine or Allegra, or corticosteroids, such as Betamethasone. These medications relieve and treat allergy symptoms and should be prescribed by adermatologist.
In cases where there is too much redness or itching in the armpits, ointments with antihistaminic properties which help in relieving these symptoms may also be recommended.
Learn more about what can cause red spots on the skin and how they can be treated.
Clinical review:
Manuel Reis
Registered Nurse
Postgraduate degree in Medicinal Plant Therapy, and Nursing degree obtained through the Porto Nursing School. Licensed to practice with the Ordem dos Enfermeiros (PT) under license #79026.
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FAQs
The immediate treatment of deodorant and antiperspirant allergy is to apply topical corticosteroids to the underarm skin. These products reduce redness, itching, and inflammation. Topical corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for mild to moderate contact dermatitis involving limited body areas.
How do I know if my armpit rash is fungal? ›
You might have fungal sweat rash if you notice:
A red rash with scaling around the edge. Sore or stinging skin. Itchy or burning skin.
What STD causes armpit rash? ›
A syphilis rash might also be made up of large, raised gray to white lesions with a moist finish. These types of syphilis rashes occur on the inner thighs, armpits, groin, or below the breasts.
How do you treat contact dermatitis in the armpit? ›
Apply an anti-itch cream or ointment.
Put on the itchy area 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment (Cortizone 10, others). This is a nonprescription product that you can buy at a drugstore. Use it 1 to 2 times a day for a few days. Or try calamine lotion.
Why won't my armpit rash go away? ›
Some armpit rashes can last a few hours and disappear if an irritant is removed. Others occur with a chronic condition, such as psoriasis, and may come and go for many years. Some are treatable with home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) options, while others may need prescription treatment.
How do you tell if a rash is fungal or bacterial? ›
Skin infections caused by viruses usually result in red welts or blisters that can be itchy and/or painful. Meanwhile, fungal infections usually present with a red, scaly and itchy rash with occasional pustules.
What antifungal cream is best for armpits? ›
Yeast infections also can be found on other parts of the body such as the groin or armpits. You will probably get a cream or ointment that contains an antifungal medicine. Examples of these are miconazole and clotrimazole. You put it on your skin to treat the infection.
What is the bacteria in the armpit rash? ›
An armpit rash can also be caused by a specific germ. Erythrasma is a rash that can form after you've had an infection with the Corynebacterium minutissimum bacteria. Erythrasma is common in the armpits, under the breasts, in groin folds, and between the toes.
What autoimmune disease causes armpit rash? ›
Inverse psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition. It causes a rash in areas of your skin that rub together, including your groin and armpits.
What does lymphoma armpit rash look like? ›
It may start off as small patches of dry, red skin on a small area of the body, and be similar to eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis. As it advances, the rash may thicken in places, forming plaques that may fester and turn into sores. Later, small bumps or tumors may start to appear on or under the skin.
Some basal cell carcinomas may appear as raised, pink or red, translucent, shiny, pearly bumps that may bleed after a minor injury. They may have a lower area in their center, and blue, brown, or black areas. Know the signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma.
What ointment is good for deodorant rash? ›
Corticosteroids. The immediate treatment of deodorant and antiperspirant allergy is to apply topical corticosteroids to the underarm skin. These products reduce redness, itching, and inflammation. Topical corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for mild to moderate contact dermatitis involving limited body areas.
Can I put neosporin on an armpit rash? ›
However, do not use it on the face or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor. Some products are meant to be used on the scalp for various conditions. To correctly use these products, follow the directions on the product package. Wash and dry your hands before using.
How to get rid of deodorant rash? ›
Applying hypoallergenic creams or calming products to the skin, such as creams or lotions with aloe, chamomile or lavender, to soothe and moisturize the skin; Applying cold water compresses to the armpits, to reduce irritation and the burning sensation.
How long does a deodorant rash last? ›
Once the rash occurs, it may last for weeks, and sometimes up to 8 weeks. People may stop using the triggering product for 1-2 weeks, but that's usually not long enough to see results.
Should I stop using deodorant if I have a rash? ›
Dr. Zelig explained that contact dermatitis “presents as a scaly, itchy rash in the armpits where the deodorant is applied.” Taking a break from deodorant is another way to tell if it's causing a reaction. “We tell [patients] to stop using deodorant for a few weeks and see if it improves,” said Dr. Nevid.
Does Vaseline help deodorant rash? ›
King suggests. Apply an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream and a soothing petroleum jelly-based product like Vaseline to the affected skin, she says. If your symptoms persist or worsen, see a primary care doctor or a board-certified dermatologist if you are able to.
